School makes the Artsmark (From Tewkesbury Admag)

School makes the Artsmark

Staff and children at a Willersey school were jumping for joy when they won a nationally-recognised award.

Willersey Chuch of England Primary School has won silver status in the Arts Council England Artsmark awards.

They are one of 1,161 selected schools across the country to achieve such an honour.

The Artsmark award recognises schools that demonstrate a commitment to providing opportunities across all art forms from drama to music, design to literature, dance to sculpture. The scheme also encourages schools to work in partnership with artists and arts organisations.

The Arts Council hopes to transform lives and raise aspirations while improving opportunities for young people to engage with the arts, at school and through extra-curricular activity.

Head teacher, Fiona Arnison said: "I am delighted that the Arts Council has recognised the commitment we have at Willersey School to a broad and balanced curriculum. We place great importance on the basics of reading and writing and in developing skills in a range of subjects. However, we also recognise the huge part the arts play in increasing a child's self-esteem and confidence, by giving them opportunities to express themselves and relate to others."

She added that there were many art opportunities available to pupils at the school. Youngsters recently performed Baroque dances with the Chipping Campden Festival and taken part in a series of workshops including African drumming. The Friends of the School also took the children to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

She added: "Staff work hard to make sure that children have every opportunity to develop their skills to a really high standard and to enjoy their learning."

4 Headteacher of Willersey Primary School Fiona Arnison celebrates winning an Artsmark award with pupils, from left, Abi Stock, Sally Gilder and Georgia Palmer. Picture by LOUISE BARNSLEY dc8929-a